Manchester Football pionner Tony Whelan, Academy Programme Advisor at Manchester United, was among several community role models honoured at the event staged at the National Football Museum. Also honoured on the night was Joe Thompson, former footballer and two-time cancer survivor who is using his story to inspire young people from disadvantaged communities.
The FBL broke new ground in May when it staged its first regional event at Villa Park, the home of Aston Villa, recognising community champions and grassroots heroes in the West Midlands.
Supported by The Football Association, FBL Manchester was hosted by Sky Sports News Presenter and Reporter, Kyle Walker, a proud mancunian.
The city of Manchester has a rich historic Black community, with great figures past and present contributing to culture and society. Among the attendees was double Olympic taekwondo medallist, Lutalo Muhammad, Cricketer Azeem Rafiq, Stoke City star Josh Laurent and former Premier League forwards Frazier Campbell and Robert Earnshaw.
Alongside the awards ceremony, the evening witnessed an inspiring panel discussion featuring Andrew Laylor, a Pre-academy Scout and former School Partnership Officer at Manchester United Foundation, Remmie Williams, a respected sports Talent Agent and Francesca Brown, CEO and Founder of the innovative Goals4Girls organisation.
Football Black List co-founder, Leon Mann MBE, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Football Black List event in Manchester to amplify and celebrate Black excellence in the region.
“As one of the most famous football cities in the world, we know all about the talent in Manchester.
“This event focused on the Black contribution that has helped to shape the success on the pitches at grassroots and professional level, as well as at the heart of the community.”
Rodney Hinds, co-founder of the Football Black List, added: “It is fitting that the FBL staged an event in Manchester, one of the foremost football cities in the world.
“After the success of the Birmingham regional event, it was fantastic to see what positive vibes and legacy can be created in Manchester.”
The Football Black List would like to thank everyone who attended and supported the celebration as we continue to take the Regional awards on the road.
Stay tuned for what city we will be heading to next!
Football Black List Manchester 2022 – Award Winners
Tony Whelan
Bing Findlater
Diane Modahl MBE
Joe Thompson
Mike Edwards
Russell Hoyte
Ruth Ibegbuna
James Gregory
Catch all the action from the Manchester Celebration evening HERE
